La Bella Vita (the good life)

We scrambled down from the Alps and arrived in Venice just in time for lunch. So nice to see friendly faces on the far side of the world.

fancy meeting you here

The 4 of us had a wonderful sunny afternoon taking in the sights of Piazza San Marco and around the Rialto bridge but late in the afternoon the heavens opened up and we got drenched. Fortunately, the storm didn’t last long and when we emerged for dinner Venice was cooler but cleaner.

From the terrace of Saint Mark’s Basilica looking toward the Grand canal

The following day we were on our own again and the dismal rain caught up with us so we spent the next 2 days doing chores. When the sun finally re-emerged it was time to head back into Venice and finish our exploration.

Now that’s what I call accompaniments

the Doges Palace

a clever statement by a local artist

The Grand canal

MSC Magnifica

I know there are a few friends out there that enjoy cruising so we thought of you when the above monster arrived.

Venetian homies

We took hundreds of pictures and it was so hard to pick just a few.

What is Venice if not hundreds of picturesque bridges?

Next stop was Chioggia, a quieter & smaller version of Venice about an hours drive south.

Chioggia – Deb winning over the locals

Originally we were going to continue down the lesser travelled east coast before returning via the busy west. However Deb figured correctly that this would put us in all the iconic spots like Rome, Naples, Florence etc. in July which is something to be avoided at all costs. So we diverted west arriving in Bologna for lunch with the fresh, homemade Tagliatelle al Ragu that the city is famous for not disappointing.

Bologna – lunch break in the Piazza

Sometimes we arrive at what we think is going to be ‘just a stopover in a car park’ only to be surprised by some amazing vistas.

Castelnovo Ne Monti, Italy

For those that don’t know ‘Cinque Terre’ is a World Heritage site that translates into ‘5 towns’. What makes them so special is their location on the rugged mediterranean coastline that has kept them isolated and free of modern development. So while there is no traffic to speak of there are thousands of tourists.

Vernazza – Cinque Terre

One of the great things to do here is hike the coastal tracks between the villages. The only one open at this time was the most popular ‘Monterosso to Vernazza’

Vernazza – Cinque Terre

Of course once the hike is finished you must be rewarded with a Prosecco or Campari & Soda in one of the many bars strategically placed to take advantage of the beautiful coastline.

Riomaggiore – Cinque Terre

We actually hiked 20 km that day

The other ‘must do’ is enjoy fresh seafood at any of the numerous harbourside or cliff mounted ristorantes.

Seafood Vernazza style

When travelling for long periods it is hard to keep up the constant pace of the ‘big’ sights (like Venice & Cinque Terre) and we have found interspersing these with visits to lesser known treasures like Petrasanta to be most rewarding.

Pietrasanta – Tuscany

While a lot quieter it was no less fascinating. The main Piazza is littered with dozens of molds of famous sculptures that were cast here.

Pietrasanta – Tuscany

Pietrasanta – Tuscany

Another advantage to leaving the main route is finding jewels like this chuch below which not only had free entry but was devoid of tourists allowing for a more moody image.

Duomo di San Martino – Pietrasanta, Tuscany

While not exactly ‘unknown’, Lucca was a very enjoyable 3 day stay. The artworks and architecture on display here are what the Renaissance was all about. And if that’s not enough, being the birthplace of Puccini, we attended a nightly opera recital that is held in a deconsecrated church.

Chiesa di San Michele in Foro – Lucca

We are currently enjoying 30 degree plus weather so we have taken refuge in a beachside caravan park about 30 minutes from Pisa which we intend to visit tomorrow and then onto Florence.

22 Comments:

Louise Di Francesco

June 21, 2015

June 21, 2015

June 10, 2015

Hey you guys, we are totally green with envy.
What a wonderful experience.
Marion and I did Europe for 22 weeks back in the 70’s (last century).
We did it on $5 a day tenting it, as per the book.
But didn’t see half of what you’re doing now.
Luv, Bob and Marion.

Robert Gareb

June 08, 2015

It’s so great seeing you have such a good time, but even more so as often it brings back great memories of our trips – Cinque Terre and Piazza San Marco, plus Tuscan – at Piazza San Marco I hope you got time in the evening to listen to some music – when we were there 3 years ago we were there for 3 nights – great place, great music, friendly people. Yes, we are people that would like to cruise in that region.

June 07, 2015

June 07, 2015

Bellisima, we are enjoying your wonderful photos, BUT there will be a geography test when you get home to see if you actually learnt something, other than where all the fabulous food outlets are. enjoy, you deserve it.

June 07, 2015

Bob n Lynda Rona

June 07, 2015

Another amazing episode in the life of our most amazing friends as they traverse the parts of Europe so hiden from the usual tourists routes. They photgraphy they share, the stories they tell, and the atmosphere they bring to those of us who can simply read this blog , delight and entice me to quit everything and come and join them in their wonderful Norman .. There IS room for me ?? Isnt there?.